A2: Legislation

The Freep publishes an op/ed essay by state Sen. Liz Brater of Ann Arbor, who has introduced legislation that would prohibit sentencing a juvenile to life without parole. She writes: ”As a society, we have failed these kids. There are many early childhood education programs, including the Perry School in Ypsilanti, that are nationally recognized to reduce the chance that a child will end up in the criminal justice system in his or her teen years. These programs cost $10,600 per child, versus the $30,000 a year we spend per inmate. Similarly, community mental health care, at $8,000-$11,000 a year per client, depending on the county, is much more economical than prison. This approach is not only more humane, it is also more cost effective for the taxpayers.” [Source]